Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Healthcare Supply Chains: What Providers Need to Know

As your trusted partner in healthcare consulting, SimiTree is committed to keeping you informed about critical developments in the industry. Recent communications from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Carolinas Foundation for Hospice and Home Care highlight significant challenges facing healthcare providers due to Hurricane Helene. Here’s what you need to know: 

Hurricane Helene Healthcare Impact: Quick Facts and Figures 

1. Home Health and Hospice Agencies Affected by Hurricane Helene:  
   • 311 licensed Home Care, Home Health, and Hospice agencies affected in 25 NC counties
   • 85 agencies affected in 13 SC counties
   • 209 deaths reported as of 10/3, with numbers rising (108+ in NC alone)
   • Blocked roads, limited access to water, cell service, WiFi, gas, and food
   • Many healthcare workers are missing or unaccounted for
2. Medical Supply Shortages After Hurricane Helene: 
   • IV fluid shortages due to Baxter facility disruption in Marion, North Carolina
   • Existing shortages of normal saline IV fluids, normal saline irrigation fluid, sterile water irrigation, and dextrose 5% IV fluids exacerbated
   • Ongoing supply constraints expected in coming weeks, with certain products on allocation

Hurricane Helene Healthcare Response: Frontline Reports 

One rural NC Hospice Administrator reports: “Many employees are spending nights at our office because it has power. We’ve deployed horseback, mule teams, and 3×3 terrain vehicles for hospice visits. Supplies are running very low, and many staff have lost their homes and belongings.” 

Healthcare Provider Action Plan: Navigating Hurricane Helene Challenges 

• Implementing Medical Supply Conservation Strategies: HHS encourages all providers and health systems to take measures to conserve critical products, regardless of whether they’ve experienced a supply disruption. 
• Drug Compounding Guidelines During Shortages: Compounding of drugs on the FDA shortage list can be done in accordance with current requirements to help alleviate shortages. 
• Reviewing Healthcare Facility Management Resources: HHS recommends reviewing the Baxter Medical Information Letter for Health Care Facilities and ASHP’s suggestions for management and conservation of small and large-volume fluid shortages. 

Post-Hurricane Helene Healthcare Outlook: Future Challenges and Preparations 

CMS explained that HHS is coordinating with Baxter and other manufacturers to address the supply chain disruptions. They’re also preparing for potential impacts from Hurricane Milton, which could further affect the market. CMS shared that Baxter will be in touch with their customers regarding these increases, and more information is available on Baxter’s website. 

SimiTree will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as they become available. For more information, healthcare providers can contact HHS at HHSIEA@hhs.gov. Stay resilient, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance in navigating these challenges. Complete a form for a consultation here, give us a call at 800-949-0388, or email us today at contactus@simitreehc.com.